![[For Seniors] August Health Tips: How to Enjoy and Stay Comfortable During the Hot Summer](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/tSMUMOEf2go/maxresdefault.webp)
August, when the heat is at its peak, leaves many people feeling a bit worn out.
All the more reason to try some fun, healthy ways to spend the summer, right? In this article, we’re sharing health-related activities recommended for August.
We’ve prepared a wide variety: classic exercises and recreation, plus summer-themed quizzes, crafts, and snack activities.
There are plenty of ideas for group fun, like nagashi-somen (flowing somen noodles) and watermelon smashing—both summer staples! Reminiscing about summer festivals or days at the beach is sure to get everyone talking.
It’s also a great chance to chat and connect with people you don’t usually interact with.
We hope you find it helpful!
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[For Seniors] August Health Topics: Tips (1–10) for Enjoying a Hot Summer Comfortably and Safely
Snack activity: shaved ice
Summer festivals are fun events, but because they get very crowded, older adults may be hesitant to attend.
So why not try making shaved ice for a snack activity at your facility or during dessert time at home? Home-use shaved ice machines are relatively affordable, and you can enjoy the classic summer treat by starting from shaving the ice yourself.
Prepare a few different syrups and pour them however you like.
Adding fruit or sweetened condensed milk can make for a more luxurious shaved ice.
Beat the summer heat: chair exercises
When it’s hot, we tend to go outside less, but let’s keep our bodies moving moderately to prevent summer fatigue and maintain our health.
Here, we’ll introduce simple exercises you can do while seated.
After loosening up by rolling your shoulders and twisting your upper body, add in marching in place and lifting your knees to touch your hands.
Finally, move your body while vocalizing to also strengthen the muscles around your mouth.
Do these within a comfortable range in a cool indoor environment, and be sure to stay well hydrated.
Bon Odori exercises done while seated
When you go to summer festivals, you often see people enjoying bon odori, the traditional festival dance.
Many older adults have probably danced it at least once, too.
So this time, we’re introducing a bon odori exercise you can use for summer festival activities at care facilities.
It can be done seated, making it a great option for those who find standing difficult.
For the upper body, raise both hands above your head and clap along; for the lower body, extend your heels forward and march your feet in place.
The moves are all simple, so try dancing along to your favorite bon odori song.
Handmade watermelon-splitting
How about enjoying the classic summer event, “watermelon splitting,” with a homemade watermelon? You can easily make it using an instant noodle cup container, construction paper, and vinyl tape.
First, cover the opening where the lid used to be with red construction paper and secure it with tape.
Next, wrap the sides and the bottom with green vinyl tape.
Apply thin black vinyl tape in radial lines on the sides and bottom to create the watermelon pattern.
Draw black seeds on the red paper, and it’s done.
Lightly tape two halves together, then have fun “splitting” it by hitting it with something like a plastic wrap tube.
Showa Era Classic Song Rhythm Exercises
When it’s too hot to go outside, why not have fun moving your body indoors? What we’re introducing is rhythm exercises danced to classic Showa-era hits.
They’re basically done seated, so even those who find it difficult to dance standing can enjoy them.
Because many of the moves involve large upper-body motions, be sure to leave enough space between chairs when doing this with multiple people, such as in a facility activity.
Depending on the song, wearing a happi coat or dancing with a folding fan can help you enjoy the atmosphere of the music, so it’s recommended.
flowing somen (nagashi-somen)
How about making a flowing somen setup indoors using bamboo? Let’s divide the project into two parts: the water channel for the somen to flow through, and the supporting structure.
For the support, tie several bamboo poles together and spread the top and bottom apart to form a stable base.
Since it can be difficult for older adults to catch somen with chopsticks, place the somen in small cups and let the cups flow instead.
Make sure the lids are closed tightly so they don’t open.
Once the cups are sent down, have everyone grab them by hand.
Prepare toppings besides somen as well, and enjoy a summery meal.
Goldfish scooping
Let’s enjoy the classic summer-festival game of goldfish scooping indoors.
Crumple paper or tissue into a ball, cover it with colored tissue paper, secure it with a rubber band, and add eyes to complete your goldfish.
Make each goldfish larger than the ring of the poi (scoop).
Put the goldfish in a large box and try scooping them using a poi that has only a frame and handle.
Since the goldfish are on the larger side, you can scoop several at once and transfer them to a container without them slipping through.
Be careful: if the soft tail fin slips through the frame, the weight can make the goldfish fall.